Level



F. G. MEDER Feb. 7, 1939.

LEVEL Filed Aug. 11, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Inventor Feb. 7, 1939.

F. G. MEDER 2,145,988

LEvmk Filed Aug. 11, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor E'a rl o A/gor M 1' Q Aiforneys Patented Feb. 7, 1939 1 UNITED smrE-s PATENT OFFICE LEVEL Frederick .G.'Meder, Tamaqua, Pa; Application August 11, 1937, Serial No. 158,573

1 Claim.

This inventionrelates to an improved level construction characterized, from a standpoint of newness, by the incorporationtherein of a multi.

plicity of features usable essentially in connection ,5 with an adjustable calibrated member such as may be conveniently referred to as a measuring and gauge device, the consolidated structure being considered aptly fitted for use by stone and brick masons, carpenters, and other mechanics 1o requiring its two-fold function in planning various jobs and classes of work.

t is admittedly old in the tool and instrument art to utilize supplementary'accessories and attachments in connection with so-called spirit 15 levels. Nevertheless, I have found it expedient and practicable -toprovide an additional and seeminglyunique contribution to this particular line of endeavor in the nature of a well directed composite construction, wherein the level and 20 measuring and gauging features have been aptly coordinated to facilitate reliable handling and to provide a structure whose range of utility puts it in a class by itself.

Considering the underlying principle of con- 25 struction, the preferred embodiment is characterized by a multiple channeled frame constituting the body of the level, this having associated therewith a slidable graduated rule susceptible of selective use in connection with the channeled 30 means to enable many and varied tasks to be scientifically planned and laid off for time and temper saving purposes.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following descrip- 35 tion and accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, wherein are utilized like numerals to identify like mechanical details and parts throughout the views:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of an im- 40 plemen-t or tool constructed in accordance with the principles of the present inventive conception. Figure 2 isa top plan view of the device seen in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an end view, that is, a view ob- 45 serving Figure l in a direction from left to right.

Figures 4 and 5 are detail sections on the lines 4-4 and 5-5, respectively, of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a detail edge elevational view of the calibrated slide rule. r 50 Figures '7 and 8 are fragmentary detail sectional views, enlarged, and taken on the planes of the lines 1-! and 88, respectively, of Figure 2.

The frame forming the body of the level proper is generally denoted by the numeral 9. It is 55 preferably cast from aluminum or equivalent light weight metal. It may be said to be of general rectangular form in so far as the longitudinal configuration and dimension are concerned. Located between the longitudinal side bars of the frame, however, are'the various level units 5 denoted by the numerals I0, II, and I2, respectively. Each includes a sight and within the limits of the sight are the conventional spirit levels. The one at the left denoted by the numeral In is employed, as is obvious, as a so-called plumb 10 gauge. The central one II is the level gauge. The one at the right denoted by the numeral I2 is employed for 45 degree mitering and similar purposes. These features H), H, and i2 can be considered unique in the present combination only in so far asthey coordinate with the additional features now to be described;

Located between the gauges l0 and I2 and disposed on opposite sides of the central leveling gauge H are diverging or oblique cross-members I3 and I4. These, as indicated in Figure 6, are formed with channels I5 opening through opposite ends, that is, opening through the longitudinal side bars of the frame 9. At one end these channels l3 intersect the main horizontal channel [6 formed in what may be called the top bar of the level frame. This main channel I6 opens through opposite ends of the frame and at one end it is intersected by a fourth channel 11 which is disposed at right angles thereto. Thus, the channel I! is at right angles, while the two channels l5 are at oblique angles and are to each other in converging relationship. All of these channels constitute slideways and are provided in opposite side walls with grooves which form keyways l8 for the keying ribs I9 on opposite longitudinal sides of the mitering bar or rule 20. This is a longitudinal metal bar, preferably of suitable tool steel. At one end, that is, at the left, it is cut across at true right angles, as at 2|, while the opposite end is beveled or oblique, as at 22. In length it is commensurate with the length of the channeled top bar of the frame, and it is selectively usable in connection with any one of the channel slideways, as is obvious. Then, too, set screws are employed, as indicated at the points 23, or wherever else necessary, to project into the slideways and to fasten the mitering or scale forming rule 20 in a fixed or predetermined position.

In practice it has ben found expedient and practicable to calibrate the surfaces of the frame 9 and ruler 20, as shown in Figure 2. The calibrations or graduations 24 on the frame are provided on one side of the channel, while those on the rule are suitably grouped and consecutively arranged as denoted by the numeral 25. As a general proposition, the level is 2 feet long and the ruler is an additional 2 feet, whereby to permit the two to coordinate in taking care of most' by projecting the same from one end of the main channel to be employed as an extensible ruler. In this relationship the parts may serve adequately to level across two joists, beams, or rafters, or other adjacent parallel timbers. Like- Wise, it is possible to not only measure the distance between the parts, but to determine the alignment from a standpoint of horizontal and perpendicular relative positions. Moreover, this same ruler can be placed at right angles to the level by inserting it in the right hand channel, after which-it can be locked in place by the set screw. In this position it can be used to get the pitch of a rafter or the inclination of a roof, or for other obvious purposes. Furthermore, the same ruler can be withdrawn from either the end or main longitudinal channels and used selectively with either of the two diagonal bars l3 or M, in which position the level may be used as a straight edge and the ruler as a guide in marking work for mitering cuts. I merely give these three illustrations of useful purposes, since it is obvious that the device with the parts properly associated may be employed along many and diversified lines.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear indicating level comprising a frame including a pair of spaced parallel bars and interconnecting transverse end bars, intermediate converging transverse cross-bar formations between the central portions of the parallel bars, one of said parallel bars having achannel opening through pposite ends and extending the full length of the last-named bar, one of said end bars having a channel opening through its opposite ends and communicating with said first-named channel, said intermediate bars being further formed with channels intersecting the first-named channel at oblique angles thereto and arranged in converging relation to each other, all of said channels being adapted for the slidable reception of a common calibrated rule, said rule being of a size and shape to be completely housed in said channel in the parallel bar and a plurality of spirit levels mounted between the parallel bars of the frame, one of saidspirit levels being located centrally between the intermediate channeled cross-bars and other end spirit levels, each located between a transverse end bar and a cross bar.

FREDERICK G. MEDER. 

